The following memo analyzes data for the NSRP focus states of Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Kaduna, Kano, Plateau, Rivers and Yobe for December 2016.

There were 21 incidents of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) reported from NSRP Observatory sources in December 2016. This month included several reports of female suicide bombers related to the Jama’atu Ahli Sunnah Lidda’awati Wal-Jihad (JAS) insurgency, though most cases reported throughout the eight NSRP states related to domestic violence and sexual assault.

Borno state reported the highest number of incidents of VAWG this month, with seven cases, followed by Plateau state with four cases. Generalized insecurity was prevalent throughout the month of December, with a number of reported incidents relating to crime, election-related violence, and inter-communal disputes. Violence in Borno state continues to be driven by insurgency and counter-insurgency activities relating to JAS.